Iranian actress-cum-director Niki Karimi has expressed her criticism over the world's silence on the ongoing Israeli crimes in Gaza. "It is very strange to me that in today's world of instant communication such a tragedy can be occurring, and yet everyone still does as he pleases, and nothing is done to stop it," she told the Persian service of ISNA on Wednesday.

Niki Karimi

"The issue of Palestine is not something new for us; we have been hearing about this savage killing (of the Palestinians) since we have opened our eyes (to this world). We are not political and know nothing about the details, but what I notice as a citizen are the photos I see from the brutal attacks, especially against the children. I believe this is a universal catastrophe," she added.

Karimi who presided over the Edinburgh Film Festival jury in June continued, "The main thing for every individual is the right to live, but who is safegusrding human rights and where are they now? Why don't they take action," she added.

"Years ago during World War II, many were killed and many were prosecuted, and (people) still talk about it, but now in the year 2014, with all these media and the (news) reflection, we witness such a savage massacre and unfortunately nothing happens," she explained.

There has been widespread condemnation of Israeli crimes by Iranian cultural organizations and artists over the past week.

Iranian artists gathered yesterday at the Art Bureau in Tehran for a meeting entitled "Gaza Is Not Alone" to express their solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Iranian artists gathering at the Art Bureau in Tehran

A large group of Iranian cineastes also gathered at Tehran's Shafaq Cultural Center yesterday to protest against Israeli crimes in Gaza.

Moreover, Iran Cinema Organization (ICO) Director Hojjatollah Ayyubi has called on Iranian artists and cineastes to turn out in large numbers for the International Qods Day rallies, which will be held on Friday, to show stronger support for the oppressed Palestinian people.